Running club category
Find trail running clubs, off-road crews, and groups that trade pavement for parks, dirt, and elevation.
Trail running means dirt underfoot instead of concrete: singletrack through a canyon, a forest loop, hill repeats on a bluff, whatever gets you off the sidewalk. These clubs span 31 cities across 20 states, from Pacific canyons to Mississippi River bluffs, so the details that actually matter, the exact trailhead, the exact night, depend entirely on which city you're in.
Most of what you're really deciding is fit: can you make the night, will it cost you, will anyone blink if you walk the climbs. Every club here answers those a little differently, so the fastest way to choose is to run your own week against those questions rather than judge a club by its name.
Local guide
In San Diego, trail runners drop off the pavement fast: Mission Trails Regional Park and the climb up Cowles Mountain, or the chaparral and beach sand below the cliffs at Torrey Pines, sit minutes from the coastal boardwalks. Seattle does something similar inside city limits, with Discovery Park's bluff trails, the wooded loop through Seward Park, and the Washington Park Arboretum giving forest miles without leaving town.
Denver's trail options lean toward the foothills, Green Mountain and Bear Creek Lake Regional Park add real climbs once you're past the flat paths along Cherry Creek and the South Platte. Charlotte's version is the U.S. National Whitewater Center, more than 40 miles of singletrack along the Catawba River, a sharp contrast to the oak lined roads of the Booty Loop closer to downtown.
St. Louis keeps most of its trail running inside Forest Park and out toward Queeny Park and Castlewood State Park for the hillier stretches, since the city itself is mostly flat prairie. Dallas runners looking for dirt underfoot head for the old Trinity River channel below downtown, where the Trinity Skyline Trail turns to gravel and levee path a few miles from the paved Katy Trail.
What they run on
If Saturday is the only morning you have, that's the deep end of the pool: 47 clubs run then, more than any other day, with Sunday close behind at 37. Thursday is nearly as busy at 46, and Tuesday at 44. Friday is the tight squeeze, just 11 clubs meet then, so a Friday-only schedule narrows things fast.
Cost is rarely the barrier people expect. 68 of these clubs are free to run with, and 76 need nothing more than showing up, no membership, no sign-up. The other 38 charge dues or a fee, usually tied to coaching, race entries, or gear perks, so it's worth checking before you assume a trail club means a subscription.
Worried about being the slowest one on the hill? 97 clubs say beginners are welcome, and 65 specifically say walkers are welcome too, which covers most of what's here. The rest simply haven't said either way, that's missing information, not a closed door, so a quick message to the organizer answers it faster than guessing.
Narrow it down
Compare clubs
Use each profile to confirm the latest schedule, meetup spot, pace, cost, and first-visit details before heading out.
Arlington, Virginia
Running group for guys in their 20s and 30s based in Arlington, VA, organizing friendly, non-competitive group runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The group meets at Ballston Local on Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM and at Rocklands BBQ on Tuesday evenings, with post-run social activities at both locations.
Arlington, Virginia
Virginia Happy Trails Running Club is a dirt-trail running club based in Northern Virginia that holds weekly Sunday and Wednesday trail runs in Rock Creek Park and Great Falls National Park. The club welcomes runners of all abilities and ages, with runs requiring no sign-up and offering varying distances throughout the season.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta Beltline Run Club is a free, weekly Thursday evening run/walk on the Atlanta BeltLine hosted by Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and Atlanta Track Club. The club offers 2 and 4 mile routes from rotating brewery locations and welcomes all paces and abilities.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta Trail Runners is a metro-wide trail running community that organizes several weekly group runs at trails in and around Atlanta for a range of paces. Runs depart from coffee shops and other locations including Perc Coffee Grant Park and East Lake, and East Pole in Virginia-Highland.
Atlanta, Georgia
Black Run is Atlanta's African-American jogging meetup for Black professionals, organized via Meetup with Saturday morning run/jog/walk events at 8:00 a.m. at varying locations. Runs are about 3 miles over 30-40 minutes, welcoming all fitness levels including walkers and beginners.
Atlanta, Georgia
Run Easy Run Club is a social running group that meets weekly on Thursday mornings at 6:00 a.m. at Powers Island Trail along the Chattahoochee River. The club offers routes from 0 to 6 miles on river trails and multi-use paths.
Berkeley, California
Berkeley Running Club is a free, inclusive community group with 4,455 members organizing regular Tuesday runs at Berkeley Marina (mornings at 7:00 AM and 6:30 AM earlybirds) and Tilden Park (evenings at 6:00 PM beginner trail and 6:30 PM main runs). Distances range from 2 to 8 miles on roads and 5 to 10 miles on trails, with groups splitting by pace and distance.
Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda Running Club is a social, neighborhood running and fitness education club that meets multiple days per week at various locations including the NIH trail and Capital Crescent Trail. The club hosts weekly 5K runs and post-run brunch at BTs.
Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda/Rockville Run Club is a social running group for anyone seeking running companions in the Bethesda, NoBe, and Rockville area. Runs are on the slower end at 9-11 minute pace with a 5k distance, and larger groups may split into faster and slower options. Cycling trips are also welcomed.
Bethesda, Maryland
My Muddy Shoes is a laid-back trail running club in Montgomery County, Maryland, offering free, informal trail runs multiple days per week, typically 5-8 miles but ranging from short runs to 20+ mile previews, with paces from fast to slow for all levels.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Black Men Run Charlotte promotes health among African American men via inclusive group runs, jogging, and walking. Multiple weekly locations including breweries and stores, with trail runs monthly. Open to all abilities; check Facebook/Instagram for details.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Free Thursday evening trail run club at US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Meets 6:30pm May-September (skips race nights), offers 1.5-3 mile runs, followed by live music at River Jam concert series.
Charlotte, North Carolina
RunBots is a welcoming weekly social run club at Wooden Robot Brewery in Charlotte's South End, every Tuesday 6:30pm rain or shine. Offers 1, 3, and 5-mile routes on streets and rail trail. No signup needed; post-run brewery social for 21+.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Social running club meeting Thursdays at 6:15-6:30pm at Confluence in Cramerton, NC. Offers 2-4 mile scenic routes along South Fork River and trails. All paces welcome with post-run drinks and specials. Beginner-friendly community event near Charlotte.
Charlotte, North Carolina
South End's original brewery run club meets Thursdays at 6:30pm at Triple C Brewing. Run 1-5 miles on Rail Trail, all paces welcome. Post-run beers and 20% off Izzy's food truck. Earn shirts at 10/30 runs.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago neighborhood social running club meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm for 3-mile runs on flat urban paths including the 606 trail, welcoming all paces and levels, ending with beers at local bars like Gracie O'Malley's or Lottie's Pub.
Chicago, Illinois
Free, community-focused social running group in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Hosts weekly runs welcoming all paces, dogs, and families. Often collaborates on events like 5k trail runs with post-run treats at local spots like Arc'teryx Bucktown.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago's original all-women run club founded in 2023 for all paces, bodies, and generations. Meets multiple times weekly along the 606 trail with friendship bracelets, cheerleading vibe, and social activities emphasizing confidence and community.
Chicago, Illinois
Lakeview Run Club is a free recreational social running club in Chicago's Lakeview East neighborhood. Meets Tuesdays at 6:30pm for jogs on the Lakefront Trail, all paces and walkers welcome, followed by socializing at local bars to build community ties.
Dallas, Texas
214 Run Club is a vibrant Dallas social running group offering 3, 5, and 8-mile options every Saturday morning from Katy Trail Station. Inclusive for all levels, it builds community through scenic trail runs and occasional post-run social events.
Dallas, Texas
Free social running club based at Ampersand Coffee in Fort Worth, meeting Mon/Thu at 7:30pm and Sat at 7am. Inclusive group runs with post-run coffee hangs, no membership required. Hosts annual events like Gold Rush race on Trinity Trails.
Dallas, Texas
Volunteer-based running club since 1969 offering training programs, races, and social events for all levels in Dallas. Group runs from White Rock Alehouse & Brewery on Tuesdays and Saturdays, supportive community for runners and walkers.
Dallas, Texas
Pint Striders is a social running group meeting Thursdays at 6:30pm at British Beverage Company in Dallas Uptown. Runners walk to Katy Trail for 4-5 mile runs at all paces, including walkers and socializers, followed by pub dinner, drinks, raffles, and community events.
Dallas, Texas
Grassroots social running club offering free weekly walking and running groups for all levels, ages, and abilities. Led by volunteer certified RRCA coaches. Focuses on inclusive community runs in North Dallas area.
Denver, Colorado
Citius RC is a Denver-based social run club since 2017 focused on community, inclusivity, and running joy. Offers pace-grouped runs including Saturday long runs, Track Tuesdays, Thursday tempos, and Friday breakfast club at rotating Denver locations. No dues or time standards.
Denver, Colorado
Colorado's women-only running club since 1978, welcoming all ages, abilities, paces from sub-7 min/mile to walkers. Offers fun runs, Sunday group runs, track, trails, volunteering in Denver metro. Builds social network and supports running community.
Denver, Colorado
Denver Trail Runners (DTR) is a free, informal trail running group in the Denver Front Range area. Weekly runs on Tuesdays at Deer Creek Park, Thursdays and Sundays at varying trail locations. All paces and experience levels welcome, with post-run dinners on Thursdays.
Denver, Colorado
Coached running training club for all abilities in Denver metro with mid-week runs at Wash Park, City Park and Saturday long runs rotating locations. Five pace groups, up to 3 workouts weekly, seasonal programs targeting major CO races.
Denver, Colorado
Non-profit, all-volunteer club in Denver Metro offering monthly Trophy Series races (2-15km), track workouts, marathon training races (10-20mi), open to runners and walkers of all abilities with handicap scoring for fairness.
Denver, Colorado
Year-round Denver metro marathon training group offering coached Saturday long runs, Tuesday/Thursday speed and trail workouts, Sunday trails. 7-10 pace groups from sub-3 hour to run/walkers. Fully supported with aid stations, varied terrain/routes for all abilities.
Denver, Colorado
Free weekly run club hosted by Runners Roost stores in Denver metro. Open to all levels with multiple paces and distances. Social post-run gatherings with snacks, brand demos, and occasional beer. Beginner-friendly, year-round at store locations like Central Park Denver[1][2][6]
Detroit, Michigan
Zaman Detroit Run Team is a community-focused running group established in 2015 and associated with Zaman International, an organization working to end poverty. The club meets Sunday mornings at the trailhead across from the Amtrak station in Dearborn and welcomes runners of all abilities with experienced coaches and runners.
Houston, Texas
Good Guys Run Club is a Houston-based weekly social running group with Wednesday evening meetups at Highline Park in M-K-T. The club offers pace-group runs of 2 miles out-and-back or 4 miles around White Oak Bayou, followed by bingo night and Good Guys Good Beer on tap at the bar.
Houston, Texas
Houston Harriers is a competitive running club established in 1975, offering coached weekly workouts including track sessions, hills workouts, and long runs across Houston. The club welcomes runners of all paces and backgrounds and features a mid-week social run with coffee and breakfast.
Houston, Texas
In Flight Running is a coaching-focused running program serving Houston runners since 2004. The group offers structured training plans, Saturday long runs, Tuesday interval workouts, and monthly trail runs, welcoming runners of all paces from beginners to Boston qualifiers.
Los Angeles, California
Angels City Run Club is a community-powered running club in Los Angeles with regular Wednesday evening and Friday morning runs. Wednesday runs meet at Angels Flight Railway in downtown Los Angeles at 7 p.m., while Friday runs depart from a Starbucks in Culver City at 6:30 a.m.
Los Angeles, California
Trail Runners Club is Southern California's oldest trail running club, founded in 1988. It meets every Sunday morning at 7:00 am at rotating trailheads primarily in the Santa Monica Mountains for hilly, non-competitive trail runs typically 8-15 miles with options to go shorter or longer.
Miami, Florida
Faith-based run club launched in 2024 for everyday people who worship Jesus while running. Focuses on community, accountability, and discipline. Small group connected via Instagram, Strava, SweatPals, and YouTube playlists.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inclusive Saturday morning run club in Milwaukee meeting at varying locations for 3.1-mile runs. Emphasizes community building, friendships, fitness, and post-run social events with food, drinks, and DJs. Welcomes all levels from first 5K to experienced runners.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
FEAR MKE (Forget Everything And Run) is a diverse run crew hosted by Social X MKE, focusing on runner safety, bridging fitness gaps, and building community for all levels from couch to experienced, especially runners of color.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Diverse trail running group welcoming all skill levels, distances, and speeds. Runs year-round on trails like Lapham Peak and Milwaukee River, with some road runs. Annual $5-6 membership supports Meetup and events. Perfect for beginners to experienced trail enthusiasts.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee's most active running club with 20+ weekly runs year-round for all ages, paces, and abilities. Inclusive community fostering fitness, friendships, and fun through daily runs, social events, pub runs, and traditions like Monday Medal and winter challenges.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Free group runs hosted by Performance Running Outfitters at Milwaukee Third Ward, Lakefront Brewery, and Brookfield locations. All paces and walkers welcome, 3-6 miles, three times weekly with post-run refreshments like beer, shakes, pancakes. Seasonal schedule April-October for some runs.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
NorthStar Running is a Minneapolis-St. Paul based running club offering daily group runs except Thursday, with a wide range of paces from 2:40 marathoners to 6-hour finishers. The club features runs around local lakes, river paths, and occasional trail runs, with a strong social culture including post-run coffee and weekend events.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Twin Cities Running Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization welcoming runners of all ages and abilities, founded in 2003 to serve both beginners and experienced runners. The club organizes weekly group runs, including Tuesday evening runs along the Mississippi River, alternating weekend long runs with multiple distance options, and Thursday speed work during summer.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha Running Club is a non-profit supporting Omaha's running and walking community since the 1970s. Offers free fun runs year-round with varying distances and all paces welcome, plus organizes major races like the Omaha Marathon. Open to all levels.
Omaha, Nebraska
Peak Performance Run Club meets at the running store in Omaha, offering weekly group runs for all levels with expert shoe fittings, training programs, and community events to inspire runners from beginners to experienced.
Omaha, Nebraska
Run 402 serves as the central hub for running events and group runs across Omaha, Nebraska, aggregating info from multiple daily groups via a unified platform. Welcomes all paces, levels, and ages for group runs and cross-country adventures promoting healthy lifestyles.
Omaha, Nebraska
Scriptown Running Club is Blackstone District's social running group meeting Thursdays at 6 PM at Scriptown Brewery. All paces welcome for run/jog/walk on Field Club Trail, followed by discounted pints in the tasting room.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando Social Run Club hosts weekly 5K fun runs or walks for all levels, followed by happy hour with drinks and food specials. Meets Thursdays around 6:30-7 PM in Ivanhoe area, dog-friendly with coach-led warmups.
Orlando, Florida
Free brewery-based run club in Orlando's Mills50 neighborhood starting/ending at Ten10 Brewing Co. Every Tuesday 6:30pm with 2mi, 5K, 10K routes on urban trail/road. Welcomes all paces/ages, diverse group. Post-run $1 off drafts or happy hour.
Pasadena, California
Pasadena Pacers is a free, beginner-friendly running club in Pasadena meeting near the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center with Saturday morning runs, Tuesday and Thursday evening runs, and Sunday trail runs at Griffith Park. The club offers structured training programs for various race distances and welcomes all paces and abilities.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fairmount Running Club is a free, community-based running group in Philadelphia's Fairmount and Art Museum areas. Runs are open to all paces and skill levels with no-drop philosophy. The club offers multiple weekly runs including road runs, trail runs, step workouts, and track workouts.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Runner Track Club is a competitive, membership-based club founded in 2000 for post-collegiate and performance-oriented runners. It offers structured track workouts on Tuesdays and long runs on Sundays, with a community of over 200 runners competing in track, road, cross country, and trail events.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wissahickon Wanderers is a free trail running club in Northwest Philadelphia that meets at Valley Green Inn in Wissahickon Valley Park for Thursday evening and Saturday morning group runs. The club organizes several trail race series throughout the year and welcomes runners of all ability levels.
Phoenix, Arizona
Free weekly group trail runs every Wednesday evening at rotating mountain parks around Phoenix valley. Pace groups: Fun (3.5mi), Mid (4-4.5mi), Fast (5.5-7mi). All abilities welcome, ~1hr duration, social afterward. Join via Facebook for locations.
Phoenix, Arizona
Free private running club in Surprise, AZ since 2007 with 500+ members. Encourages runners and walkers of all ages and abilities for fitness, friends, and fun on trails and roads. Non-competitive social group.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3ROC Run Club hosts free Tuesday night trail runs from 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. shop through Frick Park. All abilities welcome with four no-drop pace groups (10-14 min/mile, 3-6 miles). Post-run beers by donation benefit nonprofits. Rain or shine.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Casual social run club for climbers and runners meeting Mondays at ASCEND South Side in Pittsburgh. All paces welcome for 3-8 mile runs around South Side, inclusive group starts together and splits by pace, no climbing membership required.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Since 1974, the Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club promotes running for all ages and abilities in Western Pennsylvania. Offers road/trail runs from 1 mile to ultras, walker-friendly, with social activities, training, and events throughout Pittsburgh area.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Free Pittsburgh run club open to all levels, offering 1-3 mile Wednesday run crew and biweekly Saturday trails at rotating locations. Volunteer pacers ensure inclusivity, with post-run socializing at host spots.
Portland, Oregon
Northwest Trail Runners is a Portland-based trail running group that meets Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM and Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM, primarily in Forest Park, for 5-7 mile trail runs at various paces plus occasional longer adventure runs in the Pacific Northwest. The group emphasizes building community, introducing runners to ultra and adventure running, and caring for wild places and public lands.
Portland, Oregon
Portland Frontrunners is an LGBTQIA+-focused running and walking club founded in 1982 that hosts multiple weekly runs and walks at the waterfront, Forest Park, and other Portland locations. The club welcomes all paces and distances, with typical routes ranging from 2.5 to 6 miles.
Portland, Oregon
Portland Running Company hosts free weekly group runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from their NW Raleigh St store location and additional venues. Runs include trail runs in Forest Park, track intervals at Duniway Track, road runs, and long runs ranging from 3 to 18 miles with post-run socializing at the Run Pub.
Portland, Oregon
Portland Trail Runners is a trail running group that has been bringing runners together for 15+ years as the original trail running group in Portland. The group meets Saturday mornings at various trailheads to explore Portland's best trails with runs typically 5-7 miles, shorter options available (3-4 miles), and all paces welcome. Post-run coffee and conversation are part of every outing.
Portland, Oregon
Trail Sisters Portland is a local chapter of Trail Sisters organization hosting women-centered trail runs in the Greater Portland area, primarily in Forest Park. The group is volunteer-led, free to join, and welcomes runners of all paces and abilities with no-drop events.
Riverside, California
Running Club at UCR is a free, casual, and social running club based at the University of California, Riverside that meets outside the SRC Monday through Friday in the late afternoon for 1-7 mile group runs. The club welcomes all experience levels with multiple mileage and pace groups.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento's oldest and largest running club since 1974, welcoming all levels with structured workouts on Tue/Thu speed/tempo, Sat/Sun long runs on roads/trails near American River Parkway. Beginner-friendly, family memberships available.
Sacramento, California
Sacfit is Sacramento's largest fun running and walking training group offering half marathon, full marathon, and fitness programs with coached weekly workouts at William Pond Park. Social, inclusive for beginners to advanced, targeting regional races like CIM and Urban Cow.
San Antonio, Texas
In The Loop Run Crew is a free, beginner-friendly running and walking community in San Antonio that meets weekly at Roadmap Brewing, McAllister Park, and Mila Coffee for social 5k and longer runs welcoming all paces. The group emphasizes inclusivity and often gathers at local coffee shops and breweries after runs.
San Antonio, Texas
Urban Run Club SATX is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social running club in San Antonio offering Wednesday and Saturday morning meetups at various city locations for walkers, joggers, and runners. The club welcomes all fitness levels and paces, with distances typically ranging from 1-4 miles.
San Diego, California
Encinitas Run Club hosts welcoming Tuesday evening runs of 3-5 miles along coastal rail trails from Culture Brewing in Encinitas, followed by brewery socials. Monthly trail runs on last Sunday. Inclusive for all paces with strong community vibe.
San Diego, California
Ocean Beach Run Group is a casual social running club in San Diego's Ocean Beach neighborhood. Meets Tuesdays evenings and Thursdays mornings at Dog Beach with 30-45 runners. Flexible distances, inclusive paces, beach and neighborhood routes, fostering community and fun.
San Diego, California
Run North County is a nonprofit connecting North County San Diego runners with 1-2 daily group runs across Carmel Valley, Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista. Offers 2-8 mile road runs, trails, and training for all levels in a welcoming community.
San Diego, California
San Diego Running (SDR) Meetup Group is a welcoming community for all levels of runners, offering track workouts, trail runs, and social events across San Diego locations. With dedicated organizers, it provides a full calendar of free events to meet running partners.
San Diego, California
Trail running group in San Diego's Mission Trails Regional Park offering weekly runs alternating between Kwaay Paay parking lot and 11499 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. All paces welcome on technical trails, focused on community and trail exploration.
San Diego, California
San Diego Ultra Running Friends (SURF) is a nonprofit supporting trail and ultra runners through training runs, race aid, trail maintenance, and social events. Focuses on diverse community with long-distance group runs across San Diego trails and nearby areas.
San Diego, California
Urban Trail Runners SD fosters love for trail running in urban San Diego environments, emphasizing community, nature appreciation, and social good. Weekly Wednesday runs at Morley Field in North Park, with additional weekend events. All paces welcome with inclusive vibe.
San Diego, California
San Diego-based marathon and half-marathon training club offering coached group runs, track sessions, walking options, and seminars. Two seasons yearly with locations across city including Mission Bay and parks. Official pace team for local races.
San Francisco, California
DSE Runners (Dolphin South End Runners) hosts low-cost races nearly every weekend of the year at scenic San Francisco locations including Golden Gate Park, Crissy Field, and Lake Merced. The club welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with distances typically ranging from 2 to 6+ miles.
San Francisco, California
Founders Running Club is a free weekly social running and networking group meeting Saturdays at Rideout Fountain in Panhandle park. Runs feature conversational pace 5K or 10K options with pace groups, followed by coffee or brunch.
San Francisco, California
Golden Gate Running Club is a long-established San Francisco running club with Sunday morning group runs at Crissy Field and Wednesday evening track workouts at Kezar Stadium. The club emphasizes inclusive, easy-paced running with no-drop format and multiple distance options, plus social gatherings after runs.
San Francisco, California
Run Club SF is a coached, seasonal training program described as a social club with a running problem, offering multiple weekly group runs and workouts centered on Golden Gate Park, Kezar Stadium, and various SF locations aimed at helping beginner and intermediate runners progress to half marathon distance.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco Road Runners Club is a large, established volunteer-led running club founded in 2001 that offers multiple weekly group runs across road, track, and trail terrain with various pace groups. The club runs five days per week (Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) with organized runs in different parts of San Francisco and the surrounding area.
Seattle, Washington
Club Northwest is a nonprofit competitive running team founded in 1972, supporting track & field, cross country, road racing, race walking, and trail running in the Seattle area. Sponsored by Brooks, it develops athletes from youth to elite levels with group workouts.
Seattle, Washington
Cowgill Trail Collective is a fun, cow-themed trail running group based in Seattle hosting free weekly Thirsty Thursday morning trail runs in Issaquah, evening road runs, trail work events, and monthly long runs to build inclusive community.
Seattle, Washington
PNW Ladies Running Group is a women-only social running club in Seattle offering runs for all abilities, distances, and goals. Provides a safe, fun space for building community through group runs, fitness classes, 5Ks, and social outings via private Facebook group.
Seattle, Washington
Puget Sound-based club since 2005 offering trail, road, track, and XC runs. Weekly group workouts and social runs at Garfield CC and partner spots like Flying Lion Brewing, with all paces welcome and optional post-run pints.
Seattle, Washington
Puget Sound-based umbrella organization uniting Seattle running groups to promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for BIPOC runners. Focuses on collaboration, events, and deconstructing traditional runner stereotypes. Not a single club but a collective fostering welcoming spaces.
Seattle, Washington
Seven Hills Running is the run club tied to Seattle's trail running specialty shop in Magnolia near Discovery Park. Focuses on trail and road running with group runs from the store, beginner-friendly paces, and post-run shop visits. Team7Hills roster via email or in-store signup.
Seattle, Washington
Snoqualmie Running is a welcoming running store in Snoqualmie offering group runs, trail demos, workshops, and events for all paces from beginners to ultras, road and trail runners, including stroller pushers and dog joggers.
Seattle, Washington
Social running group meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm in front of Lululemon in Totem Lake, Kirkland. Features pre-run warmup, runs on Cross Kirkland Corridor trail, ends near Salt & Straw. Welcoming for all levels, community-focused.
Somerville, Massachusetts
Davis Square Runners is a judgment-free, social running club based in Somerville with Tuesday evening road runs from Seven Hills Park in multiple pace groups (3-4 miles and 5-6 miles) and weekend trail runs on Sundays. The club emphasizes community and inclusivity with a no-drop policy and post-run social gatherings.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis chapter of Achilles International pairs athletes with disabilities and volunteer guide runners for runs, walks, or rides. Meets Wednesdays 6:30 PM and Saturdays 9:00 AM in Forest Park. Inclusive for all abilities, focused on empowerment and social connection.
St. Louis, Missouri
Big Hump Hash House Harriers is a St. Louis social running club in hare-and-hounds format with beer, songs, and down-downs. Meets weekly Wednesdays and biweekly Saturdays, varying urban locations. Drinking-focused with running problem, inclusive trails including walkers.
St. Louis, Missouri
Retail-led running club in St. Louis offering free year-round Monday night group runs from South City and University City stores, plus seasonal Training Team long runs Sundays and beginner-friendly Unpaved trail program. Welcomes all paces, walkers, dogs, strollers.
St. Louis, Missouri
Fun, supportive group runs for multiple levels hosted by XpressFit Performance Training in Arnold, MO. Structured sessions at rotating locations, welcoming beginners and varied paces. Post-run social likely at gym.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis Trail Running Club is a free, inclusive group of trail runners meeting year-round in St. Louis and St. Charles areas. Runs vary 4-8 miles at paces 9-14 min/mile on trails, paths, and Katy Trail, with morning, evening, and night options. All welcome, RSVP encouraged.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis Ultrarunners Group (SLUGS) empowers runners of all skill levels in ultra and endurance running via weekly trail runs of 4-10+ miles at various St. Louis area trails. Welcomes all paces; hosts races from 20K to 100 miles; fosters community atmosphere.
St. Louis, Missouri
STL Run Crew, founded by Ricky Hughes in 2023, fosters health, wellness, and community through inclusive runs, walks, and stroller sessions. Meets Tuesdays at Tower Grove Park and Sundays at Kiener Plaza, welcoming all levels with 50-300 participants.
Tampa, Florida
Run Tampa is Tampa's diverse running family welcoming all levels and paces. Offers group coaching, runs, and race calendar. Saturday long runs, Sunday monthly runs at Hyde Park Village, and seasonal Thursday night runs. Motto: running, walking, racing, talking.
Washington, District of Columbia
DC Front Runners is Washington DC's LGBTQ+ running and walking club serving the community and friends for over 40 years. Regular non-competitive group runs and walks meet multiple times weekly from Dupont Circle, with routes throughout DC including Rock Creek Park, the National Mall, and surrounding areas. Membership is open to all regardless of race, age, gender, pace, sexual orientation, or ability, and visitors are always welcome.
Washington, District of Columbia
DC Pynk Run Club is a free, community-focused running club for queer women, trans, and nonbinary runners meeting Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Dupont Circle fountain in Washington, DC. The club prioritizes community and inclusion over speed, offering both running and walking options.
Washington, District of Columbia
NoMa Run Club is a free social running club in Washington DC's NoMa neighborhood offering four weekly group runs from REI and Lost Generation Brewing with distances from 5k to 7 miles. Runs finish at local breweries and eateries for post-run socializing.
Washington, District of Columbia
Pacers Social Runs is a free group run program organized by Pacers Running stores across DC and Northern Virginia. Weekly social runs meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 6:30 PM from multiple locations including Navy Yard and 14th Street, offering routes of 2 to 6 miles plus a dedicated walking group on urban streets and riverfront trails.
Washington, District of Columbia
Washington Running Club is a long-distance running club based in Georgetown that has met for Sunday morning distance runs and post-run coffee since 1974. The club organizes pace groups ranging from 7:00-9:00 min/mile, participates in local and national road races, and welcomes runners to join without membership requirements.
A trail running club runs off road, on dirt, parks, singletrack or hills, instead of on pavement. Pace means much less here than it does on road, because terrain and climbing change everything, so trail groups are often more welcoming to slower runners than their road equivalents. Expect to be slower than your road pace and expect that to be completely normal.
San Diego and Seattle each have 8 trail running clubs, more than any other city in this list. Denver and St. Louis follow with 7 each. Wherever you actually live, your own city's count is what matters for choosing, so start there before comparing across town.
Of Denver's 7 clubs, 6 include trail terrain: Colorado Columbines Women's Running Club, Denver Trail Runners, Revolution Running, Rocky Mountain Road Runners, Runner's Edge of the Rockies, and Runners Roost Central Park Run Club. Denver Trail Runners is the only one built entirely around trail, meeting at Deer Creek Park; the rest mix trail into road based routes.
Six of San Diego's 8 trail clubs are free to join: Encinitas Run Club, Ocean Beach Run Club, Run North County, the San Diego Running (SDR) Meetup Group, San Diego Trail Runners, and Urban Trail Runners SD. The remaining clubs charge a membership fee tied to training programs or nonprofit perks rather than access to the run itself.
No, not usually. 68 of these clubs are completely free, and 76 require no membership or sign-up before you show up. Where a club does charge, it's typically for coaching, race entries, or gear perks rather than for access to the group run itself, and that's the case for 38 clubs here.
Unlikely. 65 clubs specifically say walkers are welcome, and 97 say beginners are welcome, which covers the large majority of what's listed here. If a club doesn't mention walkers, it hasn't said no, it just hasn't said, so a quick check with the organizer beats assuming you'll be out of place.
Both are well covered. 63 of these clubs run on a weekend day and 88 run on a weekday, with plenty of overlap across the week. Whether Tuesday evening or Saturday morning is the realistic window for you, you're not choosing between just a handful of options.
Where this comes from: Club details come from each club’s own channels (their site, Meetup, Strava and social posts) and are checked by hand. Group runs move, so confirm the meeting spot on the club’s latest post before you head out.